DPP north to meet over quota system

BY WATIPASO MZUNGU JNR
Northern region Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says it will soon meet and discuss on what stand to take on the emotive quota system.

DPP First Deputy Publicity Secretary, Wyson Mkochi, disclosed this in an interview yesterday that his committee was concerned that some people had taken the issue of quota system as a regional issue.

This follows the firing of the DPP Deputy Director of Political Affairs Harry Mkandawire who criticized President Bingu wa Mutharika on some of his policies, a development that forced the party the party to summon him on 30 October this year.

In a telephone interview, Mkochi criticized Mezuwa Banda for what he disclosed as “unilateral decision on the issue of quota system”.

“I am a member of Livingstonia Synod and I can tell you that we have never met as a synod to discuss the issue of quota system. We were, therefore, surprised to read from press what stand Rev. Mezuwa Banda had taken on quota system,” said Mkochi.

“We are proposing a meeting next week as northern region DPP committee where we will discuss what stand as DPP north will take. Our understanding is that this issue [quota system] doesn’t affect northern region only although some people think it is.

“This is a national matter. As such, we need to take a sober stand before we start criticizing proponents of the system,” he added.

Mkochi explained that the Livingstonia Synod moderator did not consult “northerners on the issue before making a statement.”

“The moderator did not consult anyone on the issue before making that statement. From what I know, we had to sit down as a synod and agree on what stand to take on the matter rather than just one person making a decision,” he stated.

According to Mkochi, all members of the DPP from the north will meet next week to strategize on what to do on the matter. He, however, doubted if the committee will discuss anything contrary to what Mutharika says on the issue.

“If we agree to disagree with what the President says on quota system, then all of us will have to resign from the party,” said Mkochi. He, however, did not indicate when the committee will meet.

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